Pipe coupler with shut-off valve



March 4, 1958 J. LAMB 2,825,583

PIPE COUPLER WITH SHUT-OFF VALVE Filed May 24, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet lINVEHTOR. JOHN LAMB Hi5 ATTORNEY March 4, 1958 .1. LAMB 2,825,583

7 PIPE COUPLER WITH SHUT-OFF VALVE Filed May 24, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2mum-'- INVENTOR JOHN LAMB H\S ATTORNEY March 4, 1958 JJLIAMB PIPECOUPLER WITH SHUT-OFF VALVE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 24, 1954mvEuToR':

JOHN LAMB BY- HIS ATTORNEY March 4, 1958 J. LAMB 2,825,583

PIPE COUPLER WITH SHUT-OFF VALVE Filed May 24, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4INVENTOR:

om LAMB BY:

H|s ATTORNEY United States Patent PIPE capstan wrru error-our VALVE JohnLamb, London, Engiand, assignor to Shell Development Company, New York,N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application lvlay 24, 1954, Serial N 0.431,990

Claims priority, application Great Britain July 20, 1953 1 illaim. (Cl.284-18) This invention relates to pipe couplers adapted for connectingand disconnecting two conduits rapidly, having a shut-off device forminimizing the spillage of fluid, the term conduits being used toinclude rigid pipes as well as flexible hoses, etc. The invention isparticularly although not exclusively suitable for handling liquids inrelatively large-diameter conduits or pipelines, for example, thosehaving an internal diameter of approximately eight inches and upwards.

There are certain occasions when it is necessary to uncouple as rapidlyas possible two sections of a conduit carrying a fluid and at the sametime to prevent or reduce to a minimum the loss of any fluid as a resultof the un coupling. Such occasions arise, for instance, when ships arebeing supplied with liquid petroleum products such as fuel either fortransport or bunkering purposes, when petroleum products are beingdischarged from a ship, and when fluid-carrying pipelines pass acrossswing or other displacement type bridges.

Numerous coupling devices have been proposed which permit the rapidcoupling and uncoupling of fluid-carrying conduits of relatively smalldiameter without the loss, or with only a small loss, of fluid but suchdevices are generally restricted to couplings for pipelines the ends ofwhich are small enough to be easily and quickly moved bodily by manualoperation. When dealing with largerdiameter conduits, for example eightinches inside diameter and upwards, it is impossible to achieve rapidand easy fluid-tight coupling and uncoupling with manual movements, andthe general method of coupling adopted, for example, in connecting upoil tankers to a shore installation, is to bolt together the end flangesof the appropriate conduit fittings, an operation which may in volve thelocation and tightening of a dozen or more bolts. The coupling anduncoupling of such joints takes a considerable time and this has markeddisadvantages, for example in the loading of tankers where fuel issupplied at the rate of 4,000 tons an hour; in such a case, the timenecessary to bolt and unbolt a conventional coupling of the typereferred to consumes a large part of the total time taken to load thetanker. Moreover, in the event of fire occurring, it is imperative tostop filling and to disconnect from the shore installation as rapidly aspossible, and here again the bolted type of coupling has obviousdisadvantages. Moreover, the conventional bolted type of coupling has nomeans for preventing the continued flow of fluid from the supply sidelargely because a cut-off valve that opens when the conduit sections areseparated, if provided, would be open or partly open during theoperations of securing and removing the bolts from the flanges and wouldthus be inoperative for important periods of time, with considerableresultant loss of fluid. Bolted couplings require the removal of fluidpressure or even emptying of the conduits, before coupling anduncoupling.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved coupler forconduits, particularly for conduits with inter- .nal diameters of eightinches and greater, including two parts that can be rapidly securedtogether in a fluid-tight manner and can further be rapidly uncoupled,substantially Without loss of fluid even when the supply side of theconduit is full of fluid.

A further object is to provide a coupler having an automatic shut-offvalve wherein the valve is arranged to minimize damage or accidentalopening thereof by accidental impact on the part of the valve whichprojects beyond the end of the coupling member when the latter isuncoupled.

It has been found that the first object can be realized according to theinvention by means of coupling members that are permanently ortemporarily fixed to the ends of separate conduits and have one or moreclamps by which they can be secured together or uncoupled by only singlemanual movements, and that further have an automatic cut-oil valve atleast in the coupling member that is fixed to the supply conduit andactuated toward open position by engagement with the other couplingmember.

The present invention, therefore, provides a method of handling fluid,particularly in conduits with internal diameters of at least eightinches, which comprises causing the fluid to flow through a first orupstream coupling member to a second or downstream coupling member, theends of said members being movable in relation to each other and eachbeing joined to a conduit, said coupling members incorporating aquick-release clamp of the type hereinafter described, the said firstcoupling member being provided near its end with a valve whichautomatically opens when the coupling members are connected together andautomatically shuts when the members are disconnected, the closingmovement of the said valve causing or assisting the movement apart ofthe ends of the said coupling members.

The second coupling member is typically a fixed part of an installationwhich includes a receiving reservoir, for example, it is fixed to theend of a coupling pipe on the deck of a tanker and communicates to astorage compartment of the said tanker. The conduit fixed to the firstcoupling member is usually movable, viz., flexible, such as a flexiblepipe or hose communicating with the shore oil storage installation,which will easily move away from the said second coupling member whenuncoupled therefrom. Constructions in which both conduits are flexiblepipes or hoses, or one or both conduits are rigid pipes mounted onpivots or in guides for radial, axial, or other type of relativemovement, may also be fitted with the coupling device according to theinvention.

In cases where there is a back pressure in the conduit fixed to thesecond coupling member, for example a pressure in the receivingreservoir, the second coupling member is also provided with a valve,preferably a nonreturn or check valve which may be or" any known type.

When one of the conduits is stationary, the clamping means is preferablycarried by the coupling member fixed thereto, viz., the second couplingme; .oer in the case indicated above; however, the invention is notlimited to this preferred arrangement. This preference arises from thedesirability of reducing the weight at the end of the movable conduit toa minimum.

It should be noted that this strong preferance for locating the clampingmeans in a manner to reduce the weight on the movable conduit, which isusually the upstream conduit terminated by the first coupling member andcarrying the valve, as indicated above, presents a special difficultywith regard to aiiording protection to the projecting end of the movablecut-oil valve structure. This valve structure moves beyond the end ofthe first coupliug member when the member is uncoupled and the valve isclosed and it is diiflcult to protect it from accidental damage when thecoupling members are separated since the external shrouding which isgenerally employed I conduit sections.

in, similar; conduits of a smaller size; would, constitute. anundesirable increase in weight in the case of a conduit 'of the diameterof eight inches or more.

the-sfir'st couplingfmembfer, fixed to a flexible, conduit for thetransfer of fluids in, accordance with the ;presen't invention, ispreferably providedwith a'valve'havin'ga stem or supporting :means whichprojects beyond the Accordingly, V

ireeendof the couplingrmernber when the valve is closed and is formedlinsuch away theta blow on'the projecting valve sterner supporting meanswill t end to deformfthe stein-or supportingmeans rather than to unseatthe valve.

According to'a modified formro'f construction, valve stem or supportingmeans'are provided; whichtdo not profject beyond'the end ofthe couplinginemberio-n the movable conduit. Such a construction, however,necessitates theprovision of an actuating boss Gr projectionon the endofth'esecond couplingfnieinber. W s

The invention will be described further with reference to theacccmpanying drawings illustrating,- by 'wa'y of example, twoembodiments suitable for joining a flexible shoreconduit'to the pipe ofa tanker, in which: 7

Figure l is a longitudinal see'tional'view Offth'c, coupler with themembers connected with the valve open, parts being shown'in elevation; 1

Figure 2 isa plan view of por tions of thecoupler; 7

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on the l line3=-3.of"Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4+-4 of Figure1 but showing only parts of the first coupling member; 7 V V e V Figure5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modified embodiment of thecoupler;

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of p'artsof the release clamp ofFigure 5; i

Figure 7 is a plan view of portions of the coupler according to Figure'5; and s Figure 8 is across section of the coupler taken on the 7broken sectionline 88 of Figure 5. I 7

Referring to Figures l-4 of the drawings in detail, the

oil normally flows through the first coupling ember 10 whichmaybeintegraljwith the member 11.. V'Ifhelrigger. i is urged to rotatein the anti-clockwise sense (as seen n Figure 1), by an actuating forceprovided by a tension spring 38 anchored at one end to the trigger abovethe 2 pin 33 and at the other end to the lever 17. v Theleveris itselfurged to rotate in'the clockwise sensebya restoring force provided by atension spring 39. anchored atone, end to the lever 17 toitheright ofthe pin 18 and-at the other 7 s endto a 1ug'40 on thebracket 19; Itwill-be understood that the spring 38-or 39co'uld' bereplaced -by'another: at 'rangement providing anfactuating or restoring forceyfor'example, in a suitable ca'se the'l'ever 17 and trigger arm,

54 could be appropriately weighted so that they'were urged by gravity torotate in the clockwise andjanti-clockwise directions, respectively; e7' 5 p It is generally necessary to provide a number of clamps aroundthe circumference of theflanged joint in order to 'make-thejointliquid-tight. In 'thee ampIe'shown in whichi' the coupling -me'mbersand; associated 'co nduits are j ot-ten-inch bore;three-clamps spaced1250 apart a're prov-ide'd, as-indicated in 'Figure, 4,- which"shows'onl'y the brackets ra r the-additional two clampspthe two lower 1clamps themselvesare not shown, but'are :eonstructedwit'h levers andassoci'ated'parts'constructed'as described above.

tom 'th'ereo'f-an arcuate, axially protruding wallf41 termihating in aninwardly directed'lip 42. 7 "These parts are and the second couplingmember 11in the direction of the arrow 12, these members'beingpermanently fixed to 7 Thus, the supply section may be a flexibleshoreline -13 that is permanently bolted "to 'the member 10 by boltsl4xpassing through a conventional "bolting flange, represented at 15;the member '11 may be,

7 bolted permanently to a'rigid pipe on-the tanker or 'oth'erinstallation, not shown, by means of a bolting 113112616. Q The couplingmembers are secured by a clamp combetween brackets 19 carried by thefiange 20 of the mem ber 11. Pivoted on a pin 21 "on the lever 17 'aretwo link arms 22 joined by a bridge piece 23 andecarrying a roller 24which is free'to turn on ;a 'pin 25'mounte'd on both arms 22. Thisroller-makes contact with a cam surface 26 on a-sectored cam ring havinga' pair-off180 sectors 27, 271Which-are hinged-M 28 so "theyoan belaid-around the member 10 behind the'flange 29 thereof;

these rings separate from the coupling members and are united to themonly by the inward pressure of the roller prising a lever 17 which ispivoted on a pin-18 mounted 1 24 and the other similar rollersdescribedbelow. The V roller 24 is held intcontact with the cam surface26 in'the desired position by an adjusting screw 30 which bears on thebridge piece 23 and is threadedly mounted 'in a down-'ivva'rdlyprotruding part 31 of the lever 17. The lever 17 extendsbeyond the part 31.

' The end of the lever 17' on the sideof thepin 18 remote from'theroller 24 is bifurcated, and the forked ends-32 carry a transverse pin33 on which is mounted, 'so as to 7 be freely rotatable 'with-respect tothe lever 17, atrigger arm; 34. The top end of the latter is enlargedand proj ects out to-be'freely accessible, to bleystruckbya-imallet. qhelower surface 350i the trigger arm-cooperates with 33 m nurfacefifitormed on theupper partfofaa ramp 37 7 formedintegrally withthe flangeZtl'and extend through approximately 180 of arc or less and they areinterrupted attire-positions forg'the additional" clamps as shownin'Figore-4.

'Theconpling-member'lilfhasla cylindricalpassage j'oiningtheabuttingendfiangei29. This part communi-" "cates with a chamberfcontained within anenlarg'edjpart 43,Vpreferably spheroidal in shaperhousing therein'afiat7'cut-offlvalve member '44 'adapted to seatiperipherally on an ama-lamenss; fTheyalve member, may ibesmade "47 and riuts is The tubes aresmallin cross section so as too'ccuny only" a trivial part of thecylindrical passage.

The right ends "'0 fthetubes are 'expandedintoan anchor I "ring4'9 whichisa'dapted'to nest'ina'recess sfi formedin the flan'gefZWah'd a's afdepth slightly greatertha'nthe 'ihic lchess urthering, Theitubes 46 aresituated'on a circle fand .form a "cage is'o as 'to have a slightclearance,

for "example 7 inch, from the inner cylindrical .wall of the ember-10;whereby the latter acts 'as avalve "guide,

' "permitting axialjrnovement ofth'e vvalve structurecomprisingthem'emb'er l44,'th'e tubes 46 and therin'g 49." The V yalyestrnc'ture is urgeditowards the right byitwo tension 7fspring's'filfwhich' are anchoredat their leftfe'nds'tofthe valve member44"andj'at'the'ir. right ends to a min 52; se-v cureditotheimemb'er Whenthe coupling member 10 V fis spacedfromthe member '11 the valvestructure is thus- V ,7 .Qperation'is 'as' follows; To coupletheiconduitsections, 7 V "the 'sectoredcam ring 27, 275 is first placed'around'themember? 10 "a'djacent' the flange 29, and the memberi-lolis then hoistedintoregist'e'r with the tanker pipe coupling m'e'rnberfll and.refstedjon the lip 42, the valve member #14 being -still-seated;A'se'alingiing or'gasketGmayibe placed on wall to bepositioned;betweenthefflanges =20 andfZ-Q; The memberflllisthen'thrustrapidly toward uie meifiber tbqarin theiflfingeZQ-to reston the wall a1. 'iAs a resul't t-he anehor ring 49 strikesthcface tifthe7 ring lQcons'titute a valve actuator for unseating the valve Tofacilitate positioning :thecougiling member fill-in '7 juxtaposition tothemember 11 the latter'has at the botflange 20 and is forced into therecess 50, thus opening the valve 44. The clamps (preferably three) arethen quickly closed, thus producing an oil-tight seal between theflanges 20 and 29. In the case of each clamp, this involves turning thelever 17 in an anti-clockwise sense (as seen in Figure l for theuppermost clamp), so that the roller 24 comes into contact with theupper edge of the cam surface 26 on the ring 27. This is the positionshown approximately in Figure 1, and the point of contact 53 which isindicated in the drawing between the roller and cam surface is one pointon the line of contact between the two members, and is herein referredto as the initia point of contact. As the lever 17 is further depressed,this point of contact describes an are 54 about the axis of the pin 18while the cam surface determines the locus of the roller in relation tothe ring 27. This locus is such that the roller 24 and cam surface 26cooperate in the manner of a wedge to force the flanges 20 and 29together. This is achieved by so forming the surface 26 that the saidlocus has a radius of curvature which is everywhere greater than or ofopposite sign to that of the circle 54. In the example shown in thedrawings, the radius of curvature of the locus varies from aboutinfinity at the initial point 53 to a finite Value, of opposite sign tothe radius of curvature of the circle 54, at the lower part of thesurface 26.

The final clamping pressure may be applied with the aid of an extensionrod (not shown) such as a pipe fitted over the end of the lever 17.Flanges 29 of different thicknesses can be accommodated by means of theadjusting screw 30, which can also be used to take up any wear in theroller 24 or cam surface 26.

The cam or pressure ring 27, 27' serves to distribute the pressurearound the circumference of the flanges. Furthermore, if the flange 29has been provided with holes, the ring 27, 27' also serves to cover upsuch holes.

The releasable locking device, which retains the lever 17 in the clampedposition, operates as follows: it will be seen, by comparing the shapeof the surface 35 of the end of the trigger arm with a circle 55described about the pivot axis of the pin 33 and intercepting thelowermost part 35a of the arm, that the end 35b of the surface 35 isnearer this pivot axis than is the end 35a. Hence, as the lever 17 isturned anti-clockwise from the position shown in Figure .1, thusincreasing the distance between the pivot 33 and the cam surface 36, thespring 38 constantly turns the trigger arm 34 in the anti-clockwisedirection relatively to the lever 17 and so maintains a part of thesurface 35 in contact with the surface 36. In short, the spring 38causes the surface 35 to ride on the cam surface 36 so that at everyclamping position of the lever 17, the reaction between the surfaces 35and 36 holds the lever against rotation in the clockwise direction,thereby maintaining the reaction between the roller 24 and the camsurface 26 so as to afford a locking action.

The lower part 36a of the cam surface 36 on the ramp 37 serves to holdthe arm 34 in a clockwise direction when the lever 17 is in unclamped,clockwise position prior to engagement of the roller 24 with the camsurface 26, so as to tension the spring 38.

The clamping together of the flanges 2t and 29 can take place veryrapidly, for example in less than two seconds in the case of ten-inchdiameter pipes, so that even if the coupling member and the associatedconduit is full of oil, very little is lost during the operation ofcoupling the members together. Usually the member 11 and the associatedpipeline will be empty before starting to fill a tanker compartment.

When it is desired to uncouple the members 10 and 11, the releasablelocking devices are actuated by knocking the upper end of each triggerarm 34, for example by a hammer blow, toward the right, thereby swingingthe trigger arm clockwise (as seen in Figure 1) against the action ofthe spring 38. This allows the lever 17 to turn inthe clockwise senseunder the action of the spring 39 and relieves the pressures between theroller 24 and the cam surface26 and between the surfaces 35 and 36. Theroller 24 facilitates this action by minimizing friction. The cumulativeeffect is an almost instantaneous movement of the lever 17 into aposition in which the spring 39 is contracted and the flange 29completely released from the flange 20.

When the members 10 and 11 are thus uncoupled the member 10 falls orswings away from the member 11 largely under the influence of theattached, oil-filled pipe 13, the bevelled edge 27a on the cam ringfacilitating passage over the lip 42. The oil pressure in the member 10,aided by the springs 51, rapidly closes the valve member 44 and holds itagainst its seat 45, thereby virtually preventing any oil spillage, amatter of great importance when inflammable oils are being handled and alire breaks out or is threatened in the tanker. The initial separationof the members 11) and 11 is further caused and/or assisted by theaction of the springs 51, which push the anchor ring 49 against theflange 20.

In the event of an emergency uncoupling, it is possible that the anchorring 49 and/or the ends of the tubes 46 may strike against someobstruction, for example the lip 42, and the resulting displacement ofthe ring and/or the tubes may tend to unseat the valve member 44. Thiscontingency is avoided by using tubes of rela tively soft metal, forexample brass, and with thin walls, so that the result of striking anobstruction is to deform the tubes rather than to unseat the valvemember 44. This deformation of the tubes may necessitate replacement ofthe rods 46 and ring 49 before the coupling member 10 can be used again,but this is a small loss compared with the great gain of practicallyinstantaneous emergency uncoupling and cessation of flow and continuedclosure of the valve member despite striking against some object.

While the releasable locking device is shown in the drawings as havingthe form of a member pivoted to the lever 17 and cooperating with a camsurface 36, alternative forms of the device may be used, as an exampleof which there may be mentioned a device operating on the principle of apawl and ratchet, in which case the pawl is to be considered as thetrigger member and the ratchet as the ramp on which this memberoperates. It will be understood that in the latter case the lever willnot be held continuously in every clamping position, since the lockingaction is discontinuous, but this action can be regarded, and is hereinso regarded, as being eflective to hold the lever in substantially anyclamping position thereof. 7

A modified form of cut-off valve and clamp are shown in Figures 58. Theclamp differs from that shown in Figures l-4 primarily in that thepivoted trigger member of the releasable locking device is mounted onthe tubular coupling member 11 by a pin 57 journalled in brackets 58,and the ramp 37 is constituted by the end of lever 17, which carries thecam surface 36; and also in that the lever 17 ends at the left at thepart 31, and clamping action is exerted by a handleshaped extension 59on the adjusting screw 39. All parts shown in Figures 5-8 which functionin the same way as the corresponding parts of Figures l-4 bear the samereference numbers as in Figures, l4. The helical tension springs 38 and39, of the clamp of the first embodiment are replaced in this embodimentby spiral springs bearing like numbers.

Springs 38 urge the trigger arm 34 in an anti-clockwise direction andspring 39 urges the lever 17 in a clockwise direction. The position ofthe lever 17 when the clamp is open is indicated by the showing inFigure 5 of the profile of certain parts in chain lines; from thisshowing it will be noted that an inclined face 69 is provided towardsthe right end of the lever 17 and abuts against the flange 20 when thelever is in open position,

.fliQlfiPliY jmove'nient ofthe levef due toithe action of the Pi aI Pr g39;

Thence-action of the cam,suraccs iicvident from f Fi'gur'efi, whereinthe springs are omitted-.; On the trig fger arm, the. part 3511 is'theend ofthe ca m' surface--35 farthest out from the,pivotaxis ofgthe pin57 and'35b "is the end? nearest the axis; parts of the' surface-situatedprogressively nearerthe part 35aare inenga gement with the camvsurface'36 as thersprings 38 rotate the 1 trigger arin 34 in theanti-clockwise'sense as thelever 17 is swung into closed or clampingposition; To 1 release. the V clamp the projecting 'endi' of the triggirarm 55and 6) turning the, arm cloekwise "until the encl=35b clears. theend of the lever 17 {this frees the lever to swing-into the chainlineposition; ,When'the part-36b of'fthe lever clears theend=35bgthe-trigger arm'swings 'in ran; anti clockwise direction fully to thechain line position with the surface 61' thereofinengagement withsurface ,'62 of the lever. However, when the-lever is 'inoved from theopen position in: the anti-clockwise direction the surface62'Ktherecf'pu'shes against-the surface 61' of; the triggerarmandjotaites-the latter again 'ina clockwise direction, attaining aposition slightly 7 beyond the solid line position shown when the parts35b and 3612 'are juxtaposed. During thecontinued turning of the leverthe substantially .--areuate-. surface 36a slides over the surface 35;finally, wh en the roller 24'closely approaches the cam surface 26 thecarrisurface36, which V slopes toward left fromthearcuate-part 36 a,movesinto engagement with the cam surface 35. It is-from this point,onward that the trigger arm moves gradually in the anti-clockwisedirection'to lock the lever in the "most advanced positionthe'reof.

It 'willpalso'be'noted that Figures ;5 8 *show a modi fied form of 'the--cut-off ivalve. This-includes a'valve member that is in the form of aplate or disc-3--con= tained Within tihe-enlargernent 43-and made of,stainless steel, e, g., inch thick, mounted on a central valve stem 64which is guided in a tubular guide 65. 'The guide is supported-centrallyof the memberby a spider 66-and abuts the left end-of a coiled compression spring 67, the right-end of which-engages a head 68; at the end ofthe valve 'stemso as to urge the valve member 63 against; the- 'annularvalve s'eat- '45. This arrangement is such that gno part of theyvalvest'ructure ever projects out of the member 10 beyond the flange 29,'so that the above-mentioned possibilities =of dama g-r ing the valveassembly 'u'pon'auncoupling are, obviated.

This arrangement, however}- necessitates the provisionof avalve-actuating boss orabutment 69 carried-by a spider -70h1ving 'a'ring71' which is expanded into anaimular recess '72 inthe flange'20 attheend-ofrthe'corupling member 11. When themembers 1.0;and 11 are coupledtogether, ;the}valve member 631's held 'open by engagement of the head68 -with the boss 69t" A further advantage of this arrangement is thatazvery 'small'longitudinal travelof the -valve-member '63 (e. g., Ainch), ascompared withthe valve --member 44 ofFigure 1,

, makes it possible to provide fora given flow rate-past 1 the valvewithanenlargernent 43 of minimun'rsize- This contributes to the weightreduction ofmember-10.'= V Figure 5 further shows anon-return valve-73mounted in-acasing74 that is boltedby-a flange 75 to the flange 16 onthe member 11; the casing has a-bolting flange 76 by which it'canberbolted'to the tanker pipe The keen-see 3%! is struck a blow to theright (as viewed-in'Figures "casing:provides s m tress sewn-wh c issituated reasonably Eelose to the: flange 201 and the valve 7 3?'-is'suppoirtedby ti-swinging arm; [S -mounted on -a rotatable shaft 79t6-seaonthea alve si -77 whenin-closed'posh tion; The: shaft-79i-prbjeets throughthe casi g and carries-fined ther eon outside-the"casing, fa'n, arm{80;

arrangement; the-valve may @benem imee in, the Q2 1 or in the closedpositien'rbythe action er the- -vveightfl8flg although will north-allybe 3 actuated by fluid pressure 7 'Iheuse off a non-returri valve suchasfl'the' valve 7318 7 particularly necessary when there-'is-gasoi=vapor under r-F-essmc l P 1h'- r' Pipeifor example when handlin 1h s rcarb point;

one of saidifianges said clainping means:being j'of the i type wherein;a clamping mexiibef turns over the-edge .ot one flange onoperation;ofalever-pivotallymounted;*

. on vthe other flange, r saidgcoupling members-havingfco- V axial flowpassages; the flow passage. in said firstcolipling member. including inaligned relation {a cylindrical ipor Iion .adioi ng' buttin 9 d h eo a pq e i eam a ia'fi wio e n beybl Sa d a r said chambernhaving anannularvalve seatjsituated V ined at y a y b on {saidi yli dr salxpar aifla ftransverse valve smernber situated; wholly: within ,s a id" chamber. hainean Qt 1 YL' ish Y i e s h i sa d y i a po t n 9 j: h :b ag d adapt do by the wall; foi aid c lindr l w hsai i a da ur tq t ccns t ng. o suitme alfith W l d ub r e i m n ano e and in 9 pm imi y ,tantly spaced? onmixtureat a temperature; near its-boiling A qviceeieae;gou erat ar q a at c t nis m? 5 V prisingpffirst andse'condrconducting coupling membersseat n saidv ye ats? mammal va1Ye 9 'upf po ng ymni e te t d Y lv m berand w ed V to the a dlwa and pa all then qand a I emwnts r on theend'pfs ai ub s ia the t r emnv d omi i slvc m mber, dr la ng r essedin o'he' b tt z r dbfi the :firs E phn rniemhe r aid ingi pg. a apte for engaement withfthe abuttin sndqf a d 1 di' qu l n embe to fier e e attinsifl ngqs ta tsu pn id sf- V n a emen O t e. iqui k r e se r m jm hsa I a, Z

1 References sh afh {mesh ng aten -Q V r nam nic, 2,396,380; Purcell r2,409,753

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